Musick-al Note # 70
Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church” upon the foundation that He is the Christ whom Peter had just confessed. Paul said that no other foundation can be laid upon which man can build his work (1 Corinthians 3:11). On Pentecost following Jesus resurrection, the apostles received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and preached to the Jews the Good News in Christ Jesus that in believing and obedience to Him, their sins were forgiven. About 3,000 obeyed and were added to them (Acts 2:41) the beginning of His church. Since that day all who have believed and obeyed have been added by the Lord to the church (Acts 2:47). The New Testament reveals the church of our Lord Jesus Christ as He gave it to the world. His Word is the final authority for those who desire salvation in eternity. It is the pattern we must follow in becoming a member, using approved avenues of worship, how it is organized and one’s daily living to be pleasing to Christ Jesus. From the pages of the New Testament, we find no confession of faith but Christ as Lord; no greater change of life than repentance of all sins; no entrance requirement but baptism into Christ; no standard of daily living but love; no name to follow but Christ; no teaching but His Word; no creed but His revealed will which we must believe and obey to be pleasing to Him. What we believe and do today must come from the New Testament. If it doesn’t, it is of man’s design (Matthew 15:8-9, Colossians 2:20-22). If our worship is not of faith, it is SIN (Romans 14:23). Faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). We must walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), for by faith we are God’s obedient children (Galatians 3:26), and by faith Christ dwells in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17). We must examine ourselves whether we are living in the faith of Christ (2 Corinthians 13:5) for there is only ONE FAITH (Ephesians 4:5).
Have you obeyed the Gospel of Christ, which is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16) then the Lord has added you to His body, the church (Acts 2:47, Galatians 3:26-27, Ephesians 1:22-23). Be faithful to do His will (Matthew 7:21-27, Revelation 2:10) and He will give you a crown of life (2 Timothy 4:8).
Gordon Musick
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Musick-al Notes 